Perineal Urethrostomy Surgery
Better care for the best pets.
What is a Perineal Urethrostomy?
- Purpose: This surgery creates a new opening for urine to exit the body, bypassing the narrow part of the urethra where stones or inflammation often cause blockages.
- Procedure: The surgeon removes a portion of the penis and urethra, then attaches the remaining urethra to an opening in the perineal area, just below the anus.
- Recurrent Blockages: Cats with a history of multiple urethral obstructions where other treatments have failed.
- Urethral Strictures: Narrowing of the urethra that doesn’t respond to less invasive treatments.
- Severe Urethritis: Chronic inflammation leading to repeated issues.
- Pre-Surgical Assessment: Includes blood work, urinalysis, and sometimes imaging to ensure your cat is fit for surgery and to plan the approach.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with comprehensive monitoring to ensure safety.
- Surgery: The operation typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Post-Operative Care
- Hospital Stay: Your cat will likely stay with us for a day post-surgery for monitoring, pain management, and to ensure they can urinate without issues.
- At Home:
- Activity Restriction: Limit activity to prevent strain on the surgical site.
- Litter Box: Use shredded paper or non-clumping litter to avoid litter sticking to the surgical site.
- Monitoring: Watch for signs of infection, pain, or difficulty urinating. Regularly check the area for swelling or discharge.
- Pain Management: To keep your cat comfortable.
- Antibiotics: To prevent infection at the surgical site.
- Check-ups: Scheduled visits to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure there are no complications.
- Ongoing Care: Long-term management might include a special diet to prevent stone formation or recurrent infections.
- Lifestyle: Post-PU, your cat will urinate from a different location, which might require adjustments in how they use the litter box or how you manage their environment.
- Risks: While a PU can significantly improve quality of life, there’s a risk of complications like infection, stricture at the new opening, or urinary incontinence.
- Future Health: The procedure doesn’t eliminate the need for regular veterinary check-ups, as cats with a history of urinary issues might still need monitoring.
Post-Operative Care
- Hospital Stay: Your cat will likely stay with us for a day post-surgery for monitoring, pain management, and to ensure they can urinate without issues.
- At Home:
- Activity Restriction: Limit activity to prevent strain on the surgical site.
- Litter Box: Use shredded paper or non-clumping litter to avoid litter sticking to the surgical site.
- Monitoring: Watch for signs of infection, pain, or difficulty urinating. Regularly check the area for swelling or discharge.
- Pain Management: To keep your cat comfortable.
- Antibiotics: To prevent infection at the surgical site.
- Check-ups: Scheduled visits to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure there are no complications.
- Ongoing Care: Long-term management might include a special diet to prevent stone formation or recurrent infections.
- Lifestyle: Post-PU, your cat will urinate from a different location, which might require adjustments in how they use the litter box or how you manage their environment.
- Risks: While a PU can significantly improve quality of life, there’s a risk of complications like infection, stricture at the new opening, or urinary incontinence.
- Future Health: The procedure doesn’t eliminate the need for regular veterinary check-ups, as cats with a history of urinary issues might still need monitoring.
- Specialized Care: Our veterinarians have specific training in feline urology, ensuring precise and compassionate care.
- Advanced Facilities: We use modern surgical techniques and equipment for the best outcomes.
- Comprehensive Support: From pre-surgery counselling through to recovery and beyond, we’re here to support you and your cat.